Page 196 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Scotland

194  TR A VELLERS ’ NEEDS GOLF IN SC O TLAND  195

Golf in Scotland rubber-core ball in use today When to Play book ahead if you need a
appeared at the beginning of It’s easier (and cheaper) to get caddy. Buggies (ride-on golf
The ancient game of golf is synonymous with Scotland and the 20th century. a game during the week rather carts) may be available if pre-
has been played here for hundreds of years. Wherever you than at a weekend, and out side booked at the larger courses,
choose to stay, there will be a golf course not far away. Few busy holiday periods. The main but the norm in Scotland is
countries can rival Scotland for the number, quality and golfing season runs from about to walk the course unless you
April to mid-October, but most
have a medical condition or
variety of courses – over 550 at the last count, with new ones clubs stay open all year round, physical disability.
opening every year. Similarly, few golfing destinations can lay especially the links (coastal)
claim to such magnificent, unspoilt scenery. Golf is played by courses, where the climate is Long Traditions
people of all ages and capabilities in Scotland – it’s a game for milder. May and September are
everyone to enjoy. Whether your game is suited to one of the ideal times to play: temperatures Many of Scotland’s courses are
steeped in history and tradition.
are moderate and the scenery is
legendary championship courses or to a less daunting at its most beautiful. The further Without a doubt, St Andrews
challenge, you will find a hearty welcome here. north you go, the hours of day- Teeing off as the sun sets at Royal Troon in Fife is the true home of golf,
light vary more. At midsummer, Golf Club, Ayrshire where the game originated in
you can tee off at midnight on the 15th century (records date
Early History
home with them. In 1744 the Orkney and Shetland. back to 1457). The St Andrews
Variations on the game of Gentlemen Golfers of Leith, led Facilities Links Trust now operates
golf as we know it today were by Duncan Forbes, drew up the Golfing Events A scheme called “Visiting seven superb courses on this
being played across Europe as first Articles & Laws in Playing Golfers Welcome”, operated by hallowed stretch of seaside, the
long ago as the 14th century, at Golf. Although later revised Many keen golfers combine a VisitScotland, indicates which most venerable of which is the
and possibly even in Roman and updated, these original A scenic view of Gleneagles, one of visit to Scotland with a well- clubs provide facilities for Old Course. Every golfer
times. However, it is the rules, set down by the Scottish Scotland’s championship courses known golfing event. Besides the non-members. Smarter dreams of playing here. If
Scottish who must be credited professionals of the time, famous Open Champion ship, clubs offer on-site you are lucky, your dream
with establishing the official formed the framework for Arranging a Game held at least every other year, accommo dation; this can may come true – this
game and encouraging its the modern game of golf. professional fixtures attracting be extremely luxurious, legendary course is
development across the world. Nearly all Scottish golf clubs visitors to Scotland are the with many leisure accessible to visitors
It was in Scotland that the welcome visitors, although Aberdeen Asset Management amenities, as at world- at short notice via a
passion for golf was born. By Tools of the Trade there may be restrictions on Scottish Open, staged at renowned Gleneagles or democratic ballot system.
the middle of the 16th century, The Scottish influence on non-members at popular different golf clubs every year in the Ballater Golf Club in Simply contact the Trust the
the game had become a golf was not to end there. times. Check booking late summer; the Dunhill Links Royal Deeside. Others can day before you want to
popular pastime at the highest Many of the professionals arrangements carefully. Almost Championship (Oct); and two suggest hotels or bed play, and your name
levels of society – James VI playing at the time were also all clubs have websites and women’s champion ships: the and breakfasts nearby, will be included in the
himself was a keen player, as skilled carpenters, instrumental many have online booking Women’s British Open and the many of which offer daily draw (successful
was his mother, Mary, Queen in developing the clubs and capabilities; others require a Ladies’ Scottish Open. Popular special rates or dis- applicants are posted
of Scots. balls used in the game. Willie formal written application. To amateur events include the counted green fees The Claret Jug on the club’s website).
In the late 1800s, wealthy Park Senior was a master club- be certain of a round on the St Andrews Links Trophy (Jun) for golfers, along with trophy St Andrews’s resident
middle-class Englishmen maker, and winner of the first more famous courses, book and the Scottish Amateur storage facilities, drying Royal and Ancient Golf
began to follow the example Scottish Open in 1860, while well in advance, or take a Champion ship (Jul–Aug). “Golf rooms and early or late Club (R&A), founded in 1754, is the
of the Royal Family by taking Old Tom Morris became a golfing package that includes Weeks” are held at St Andrews mealtimes. Look out for the official ruling body of world golf.
their holidays in Scotland. legend in the game for both guaranteed tee times at your (Apr), Royal Deeside and “Golfers Welcome” logo, which The R&A organizes the famous
The expansion of the railway his playing and craftsmanship. chosen venues. Machri hanish (both in May), and indicates accommo dation British Open Championship,
system at this time allowed In the days before machinery, For a comprehensive list Pitlochry (Jun). The Fife, Ayr shire specially geared to golf lovers. traditionally hosted by
people to get to the seaside the wooden clubs were made of all Scotland’s golf courses, and Highland Classics are held Clubs and hand trollies can St Andrews every five years.
courses, and the English entirely by hand. The earliest including prices and amenities at multiple venues. be hired at most courses, but The winner of this prestigious
became so infatuated with the irons were also fashioned by and other useful golfing contest is awarded the coveted
game of golf that they took it hand, followed by aluminium- information, order a free copy Claret Jug trophy, crafted and
headed clubs of the annual Official Guide to hallmarked in 1873. The British
that differ Golf in Scotland brochure, Golf Museum, opposite the R&A
very little from produced by VisitScotland. clubhouse, is a must-visit
clubs today. attraction for any keen player.
The “guttie” ball Not far from St Andrews is the
was invented Etiquette Crail Golfing Society, which
in 1848, Scotland isn’t a snobbish place began life in 1786. Its Balcomie
replacing the to play golf, but some clubs links course is a tough seaside
expensive and are more conservative than test. The Royal Burgess,
easily dam- others. Some frown on jeans instituted in 1735, is the oldest
aged “feathery”, or trainers (running shoes), golfing society in the world.
thus making and a few insist on jackets and Upholding time-honoured
the game ties in the clubhouse lounge. golfing rules, it features a
more afford- Remember to bring your picturesque tree-lined course
able. The handicap certificate along on the north side of Edinburgh.
Old railway poster advertising the lure of St Andrews modern, each time you visit. The 2014 Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open at Royal Aberdeen Golf Club Visitor tee times are available.

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